Glucocorticoid Effects on Cellular Cytokine Release

Completed

Conditions studied: Depressive Disorder, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic, Fibromyalgia, Healthy, Inflammation

In brief

A variety of hormones and immune system processes are responsible for how the body responds to illness. This study concentrates on how the hormone cortisol effects the release of immune system factors called cytokines. Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands as a response to stimulation from the pituitary gland. Abnormal levels of cortisol have been seen in several diseases such as depression and multiple sclerosis. Cytokines are factors produced by certain white blood cells. They act by changing the cells that produce them (autocrine effect), altering other cells close to them (paracrine), and effecting cells throughout the body (endocrine effect). Cytokines are important in controlling inflammation processes. In this study researchers would like to determine if changes in levels of hormones in the blood are associated with changes in cytokine levels. In addition, researchers would like to learn more about how cytokines respond to hormones in certain diseases.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT00001415
Run by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
People needed
130
Starts
1994-05-01
Expected to finish
2000-07-01
Last updated by the study team
2008-03-04

Who can join

Age: any. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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